By Gustavo Castilho
French striker marks bicycle and puts the English in advantage for the return game
Chelsea took the lead in the round of 16 of the Champions League by defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in Bucharest, Romania, and taking an important advantage to London. The bicycle goal came in the 23rd minute of the second half, in a game of few opportunities. Giroud became the first Chelsea player to score six or more goals in a Champions League edition since Drogba in 2011/12. At that time the Blues were champions.
There was a lot of inspiration, especially Atlético, limited to defending themselves most of the time. Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy ended the game without making a save. With the defeat, Atlético reached the mark of eight consecutive matches conceding at least one goal, the worst sequence in the Era Simeone, since May 2010.
Having won away from home, the game took place in Romania due to restrictions on covid-19, Chelsea may even tie the return, on March 17, at Stamford Bridge, which will be classified. If you lose 1-0 the confrontation will go to overtime. The Spaniards’ victory from 2 to 1 guarantee Diego Simeone’s team in the quarterfinals.
